Get ready for a sugar rush! Queen Victoria Market is thrilled to announce the first-ever ‘Sweet As’ Festival, a two-day dessert extravaganza in collaboration with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and The Bearded Bakers.
Taking over the Market’s open-air sheds on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March from 9am to 4pm, ‘Sweet As’ will feature over 20 dessert traders offering a delectable array of treats. From classic sweets to innovative creations, there will be something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
The Bearded Bakers, renowned for their famous knafeh and vibrant Middle Eastern baking traditions, will be at the heart of the festival. They’ve even created a signature knafeh inspired by the Market’s diverse traders: Knafeh and Fig. This unique creation blends the sweetness of figs with the rich flavours of knafeh, topped with pistachios and sugar syrup.
For those wanting an early start to their sweet filled day, Queen Victoria Market is also hosting the ‘Sweet As Tour’ on Saturday 29 March from 10am to 12pm . Explore the Market with an expert guide, indulging in the best sweet treats as you go including melt-in-the-mouth pastries; traditional Greek spoon sweets; handmade Sicilian gelato; and, of course, the iconic hot jam doughnuts. Tickets at $99 per person and can be booked at qvm.com.au/tours.
“We’re excited to bring the ‘Sweet As’ festival to Queen Victoria Market and share our love for desserts with the whole of Melbourne,” says Joey El-Issa, co-founder of The Bearded Bakers.
“Our Market-inspired knafeh is a fusion of cultures and flavours, just like Queen Victoria Market itself. It is a tribute to the incredible traders and their quality fresh produce that make the market so special,” he said.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Delectable desserts: Indulge in everything from souffle pancakes and crème brûlée donuts to traditional knafeh and Filipino halo-halo. Plus, Basque cheesecake, poffertjes, churros and more.
- “Baking and Shaking” : The Bearded Bakers will bring their signature energy with live music, drumming and dancing.
- Market-inspired knafeh: Don’t miss The Bearded Bakers’ special creation, Knafeh & Fig.
- ‘Sweet As Tour’: Embark on a guided tasting tour of the Market’s best sweet treats.
TRADER HIGHLIGHTS
- Colombiantojos: Dive into the vibrant flavours of Colombia with their corn cakes in tropical and berry variations.
- Toyoki Souffle: Experience melt-in-your-mouth fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes.
- Sticky Date: Enjoy a classic sticky date pudding with a modern twist.
- IL Panzerotto, Taste of Puglia: Savor sweet and savory Italian panzerotti filled with Nutella, vanilla custard cream and other delicious fillings.
- La Dolce Vita: Indulge in the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, with their traditional recipe, as well as exciting twists like chocolate and limoncello.
- Swirle: Delight in the visual spectacle of Tanghulu – glistening candied fruit skewers.
- Lucky Coin: Try their innovative Korean cheese coins in Nutella KitKat, a playful combination of chocolate and crunchy wafer, or the rich and decadent pistachio cream.
‘Sweet As’ is a free event for all ages. Come hungry and ready to discover your new favourite dessert.
FAST FACTS
- When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March 2025
- Where: C and D Sheds, Queen Victoria Market
- Time: 9am to 4pm
- Cost: Free entry with desserts available to purchase
- ‘Sweet As’ Tour: Saturday 29 March, 10am to 12pm | $99 per person | Book here